Disrupting evaluation? Emerging technologies and their implications for the evaluation industry

Abstract

This article surveyed different emerging technologies (ET), in particular artificial intelligence, and their burgeoning application in the evaluation industry. Evidence suggests that evaluators have been relatively slow in adopting ET in their practice. However, more recent data suggest that ET adoption is increasing. This article then analyzed if, and how, ET affect the evaluation industry and evaluation practice. The article finds that program evaluation is one of several competing forms of knowledge production informing decision‐making, particularly in the government and not‐for‐profit sectors. Therefore, evaluation faces a number of challenges stemming from ET. In this article, it is argued that evaluators must, albeit critically, embrace ET. Most likely, ET will complement evaluation practice and, in some instances, displace human tasks.